Per Mertesacker is entrusted with the job of collecting fines from Arsenal players in breach of club discipline but the German may find himself going cap in hand to manager Arsene Wenger for his place in the team.

Holtby moved to Craven Cottage on loan from Tottenham and made his debut as Fulham went bottom of the Premier League with a 3-0 defeat to Southampton.

Meulensteen said: “It was a pleasant surprise that a player of that quality wants to come and play for us because I rate him so highly. He is a fantastic footballer and, in my opinion, a player for a top-four team. That is the quality he possesses. He is a fantastic addition for us.”

Fulham have now conceded 53 goals 24 games but Meulensteen says will not change his attacking philosophy to plug their leaky defence. The Cottagers desperately need to tighten up if they want to survive and Meulensteen said: “I still think attacking, keeping possession and turning teams is the best way to defend.

“At the moment it is difficult to find a balance because we never give ourselves a platform to build from. We can be tight and solid, but then not go forward and create anything and score goals."